Using driver in the loop simulation to guide electric vehicle development

Electric powertrains are rewriting the rulebook when it comes to vehicle design. What may look like a simple question of packaging a new set of running gear into a century-old template soon becomes a fundamental rethink when you get down to the details. From the structural design and suspension layout through to connected car applications for energy management, everything is changing.

The stakes are high in such a disruptive environment. Manufacturers that get it right can redefine their brand for the new electric era, whereas others risk going down hugely expensive blind alleys. And with the pressure on to transform quickly, there’s little time to explore different options using conventional techniques.

Nestled in a Norfolk industrial estate, just over the hedge from the home of Lotus Cars, sits a company that’s helping manufacturers to confront these challenges. Ansible Motion has a background in motorsport, but these days it supplies driver in the loop (DiL) simulators to some of the world’s biggest carmakers including Ford, General Motors and BMW.